Description of deformed atomic clusters within a projected spherical basis

A projected spherical basis is defined with the scope of treating deformed metallic clusters. It depends on a parameter that simulates the system defo rmation. When the deformation goes to zero the spherical-shell model states are obtained. The basis is tested, with positive results, in several appli cations for Na clusters. The present formalism predictions are compared wit h those obtained within other models. Such a basis is suitable for a realis tic and a unified fashion description of spherical and deformed metallic cl usters. [S0163-1829(99)10207-8].